Helping Loved Ones With Eating Disorder

 When an individual has a distorted perception about his or her body weight and shape, the person may prescribe to a diet that can lead to an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and being eating are examples of common eating disorders. Most of the time, individuals who suffer from eating disorders are not aware of the health risks caused by their unhealthy eating habits. In one medical case, for instance, it is reported that a young teenager who suffered from anorexia and bulimia, eventually died of these eating disorders.

Parents, siblings, and friends therefore must help their loved ones who suffer from eating disorders. However, helping someone who is not ready to change his or her habits may be a challenge, since change can only happen if that person is willing to do so. There are a few guidelines that can be followed to assist loved ones who have these eating disorders.

Firstly, you may want to talk to the person regarding his or her bad eating habits. Perhaps, inform the person that you are open listening and discussing his or her weight and shape without being judgemental. In addition, keep reminding the person that you are talking as a friend and not as a therapist.

Secondly, you need to choose the correct time to talk about this sensitive issue. For instance, approach the person privately and when there is time to discuss the issue seriously. This is crucial because if you talk to the person during an aggressive or a defensive moment, you may end up getting negative results. Consequently, you may end up losing your friend’s trust in you.

Finally, you should also equip yourself with some knowledge of eating disorders. With informed knowledge, you can help to clarify any misunderstanding or misconceptions regarding any eating disorder. For example, when a person perceives or denies that he or she is fat, the person is actually experiencing a misconception that can lead to an eating disorder.

In conclusion, those suffering from eating disorders must get help immediately. However, not all of them realize that their health is in jeopardy. As a concerned individual, you can help by talking to them about their disease, by choosing the right time to discuss their eating disorders and by advising them based on your knowledge about the problem.